Brace yourself as the news is not good. According to recently released data, Florida takes second place among the most dangerous locations for pedestrians.
In a nationwide study, Florida appeared several times in the “top 20” list of hazardous areas for those who enjoy walking. The release of this data can improve safety for those who want to minimize their risk of suffering a pedestrian accident.
Florida isn’t the worst state for pedestrians
The worst state for walking safety is New Mexico, with a fatal pedestrian accident rate of 3.76 deaths per every 100,000 residents (per year). As you already know, Florida came in as the second most dangerous walking state with a fatal accident rate of 3.22 deaths per every 100,000 residents.
Which Florida regions ranked badly?
Seven Florida metropolitan areas ranked poorly in the study that covered accidents from 2016 through 2020. The region of Deltona, Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach got the worst ranking, with 4.25 pedestrian deaths (per 100,000).
Tampa did not fare much better. The area, including St. Petersburg and Clearwater, ranked fourth for the danger it poses to pedestrians. Other metro locations in the state deemed hazardous to pedestrians include:
- The Jacksonville area ranked sixth
- The Kissimmee, Orlando and Sanford region ranked eighth
- The Titusville, Palm Bay and Melbourne region ranked 12th
- The Pompano Beach, Miami and Fort Lauderdale region ranked 14th
- The Bradenton, Sarasota and North Port region ranked 19th
Please practice extra caution if you must walk in any of these areas. If the worst happens and a pedestrian accident causes severe injury or the death of a loved one, consider seeking legal guidance. When Florida accident victims exercise their right to pursue compensation, it informs lawmakers and traffic safety organizations of the danger pedestrians face.